Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami World Premiere held at the BFI - Arrivals[Lia Toby/WENN.com]

Yates made the decision to remove himself from the shows after sparking backlash in a recent podcast interview, when he used the phrase "fat Jewish guy" in reference to music managers in the industry as he took part in the Halfcast Podcast, hosted by DJ Chuckie Lothian. Now the BBC have revealed that Clara, who hosts Radio 1's mid-morning show, will be stepping in in his place. "I'm so happy and honoured to be presenting Top of the Pops alongside Fearne," Clara said in a statement. "It's an iconic show that I've grown up with and continue to enjoy watching, especially during the festive season. 2017 has been a rich year in pop and I can't wait to celebrate it with the artists, Fearne and everyone at home." Yates previously explained his decision not to present Top of the Pops, which he has hosted alongside Fearne since 2004, in a lengthy statement on his Twitter page. "On a recent podcast, during a discussion about grime artists, I made some ill-considered remarks which have hurt many people," he wrote. "I can see clearly that the words I used reinforced offensive stereotypes, and that there is no context which would justify such remarks. My comments are no refection (sic) on how I truly feel, and I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community, people in the music industry and anyone else I have offended. "This has been, and continues to be, a huge learning experience for me, and on reflection I have taken the decision to step down from hosting Top of the Pops this year." Following Yates' statement, a BBC spokesperson said: "We take these issues very seriously and Reggie is in no doubt about the BBC's view of his comments."